I am struck by the beauty and tranquillity of Maynooth South Campus, it reminds me of a recent trip to South Africa where I visited the botanic gardens in Pietermaritzburg. The luminous beauty of the old trees on South Campus reminds me of a particular area where I walked through on the East Coast of South Africa. It was described as a ‘Living Cathedral’ of plane trees planted in 1908 in the Kwa-Zulu Natal Botanical Gardens. Walking through the ‘Living cathedral of trees’ brought to my mind the beautiful college chapel at Maynooth South Campus which is well worth a visit.

The college chapel was built between 1875 and 1891, and has 454 carved stalls, making it the largest of its kind in the world. It is said when you enter the chapel one gets a neo-gothic style impression as everything as in the windows, arches, and ceiling points heavenwards. It is known to be one of most beautiful places to worship in Ireland.

Currently sitting on a bench, surrounded by the history of this beautiful campus, one appreciates the calmness and the verdant scenery we have here at Maynooth University.

The nature surrounding South Campus enables us to get some downtime and really appreciate the scenic beauty we have on Maynooth campus.

As a student it’s important to not only enjoy the nightlife and culture of Ireland but also appreciate beautiful nature Ireland offers.

Both scenes of nature are similar but the only difference of sitting in Pietermaritzburg that it was extremely hot and humid, but Ireland is much cooler which makes it easier to do activities such as jogging.  My tip to you would be to take a walk, go for a jog, or just simply have a seat on one of the benches outside on Maynooth South Campus and experience how nature can generate many positive emotions such as calmness, creativity, joy or even facilitate concentration. Spending time in nature gives you a refreshing feeling especially when lectures and assignments get a little overwhelming.

There are many places other than Maynooth South Campus if you want to spend time outside such as the grounds of Carton House in Maynooth, Castletown parklands and wildlife in Celbridge or even Phoenix Park in Dublin.

Each place offers a unique experience of different trees and small wildlife.